Welcome to

Adult Literacy Tutors Association
of Trinidad and Tobago

 The Adult Literacy Tutors Association, a non-profit organization in existence since 1992, provides the only comprehensive, structured, adult literacy programme in Trinidad and Tobago.

ALTA conducts free classes at 60 locations throughout Trinidad taught by 250 volunteer tutors. Every year, ALTA trains 100 new volunteers and a one-day refresher course is mandatory for all continuing volunteers. ALTA produces all its own teaching materials. These include workbooks, phonic cards, games, reading books and tutors' handbooks.

Annually, approximately 1,500 students attend ALTA community classes. Of these, roughly 900 are new students and 600 either repeating or moving up to a higher level. Classes are twice a week for two hours and run with the school year - September to July, with holidays for Christmas and Easter.

Once registered, the student may stay as long as needed to achieve the literacy goals they set for themselves. ALTA has no tests but, at the end of the academic year in July, awards a certificate based on an end-of-level evaluation.

Graduates and students who want extra reading practice can attend an ALTA Reading Circle to read material of their choice in a small group or one-on-one guided by a tutor.

ALTA's work is recognized for its effectiveness in reaching large numbers of adults at low cost. In 2001, ALTA received the national award of Humming Bird Medal (gold) for service in the sphere of education.

ALTA has three offices: a head office in Port of Spain and branches in San Fernando and Arima. The administration of these offices and the publication of teaching materials incur costs which are met solely through the generosity of corporate and private citizens, since ALTA receives no Government subvention.

VISION STATEMENT

To achieve improvement in adult literacy in Trinidad & Tobago, as well as in the Caribbean, through the development of a programme relevant to the needs of adult learners in the 21st century.

MISSION STATEMENT

• Provide free and effective adult literacy classes for persons 16 years and over.
• Develop and publish local adult literacy materials.
• Create and maintain a bank of trained and experienced professional literacy tutors.
• Maintain resource libraries of materials and teaching aids for ALTA tutors.
• Through sponsored programmes, support literacy efforts within NGOs, the workplace, government initiatives and specific communities.